Karen Clement

Key discussions included honoring the memory of long-time conservation friends, Phil Bilodeau and Erick Berglund, with the Commission funding a memorial plaque for a bench at the Dowst-Cate Town Forest. For the Trail Inventory Project, a draft contract from Sinuosity, LLC is forthcoming. Regarding the Natural Resources Inventory, the Commission will explore acquiring an ArcGIS Account for mapping. In organizational business, four members were nominated for re-appointment for 3-year terms starting May 1, 2026. Financial matters addressed an amendment to a Warrant Article concerning the Land Use Change Tax (LUCT) allocation to the Conservation Fund, with the March ballot seeking 100% allocation. Stewardship involved addressing unauthorized trail construction and stored gear violations discovered during the Hart Town Forest monitoring, requiring restoration and removal of items. The Commission also agreed to collaborate with the Forestry Commission to provide information to NHDES regarding municipal forest management planning efforts. The committee also noted an upcoming meeting regarding the future use of the Stage Road property and addressed a Standard Dredge and Fill Application filed with NHDES.

The committee discussed transition logistics with Waste Management, focusing on scheduling pickups, maximizing tonnage capacity, and clarifying guidelines for recycling specific materials such as plastics, used oil containers, and corrugated cardboard. Additionally, the committee addressed the need for public outreach regarding new recycling specifications, planned website updates, and approved funding for staff training at an upcoming recycling expo.

The meeting involved several public hearings and conceptual reviews. A continued public hearing resulted in the approval of a lot line adjustment involving properties on Gulf Road and Sunset Lane. A public hearing addressed scenic road tree trimming on Whittier Road, Cate Road, Coffeytown Road, and Bean Hill Road, which was approved with one abstention. A conceptual review concerned waterfront property expansion at 5 Scott Lane within the Pleasant Lake Watershed Overlay, where advice regarding potential ZBA variances and DES consultation was provided. Another public hearing addressed proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, resulting in a motion to recommend placing Warrant Article #1 on the ballot to amend parking requirements. In public comments, affordable housing was discussed, leading to the scheduling of an organizational session for a sub-committee. Advice was also given to a resident regarding the process for using their property as an event venue, including site plan review requirements for parking, sewer, and drainage, and the potential need for a special exception from the ZBA.

The committee addressed several matters concerning waste management contracts and operations. Key discussion points included reviewing responses from Waste Management to ascertain which numbered plastics are accepted, necessitating direct outreach to Pete LaChappelle for clarification. The committee emphasized the need to ensure a smooth transition for the new Waste Management contract and also to coordinate with Casella regarding their transition process. Furthermore, the budget for the Transfer Station was reviewed to confirm a line item for staff clothing, with a specific interest in safety vests. The committee determined the need to place the Waste Management contract discussion on the Selectboard agenda. Additionally, the committee reviewed a newsletter article regarding Congressional Directed Spending for solid waste and recycling grants, noting that they should prepare to apply for such funding in the subsequent year.

Key discussions during the meeting included the reappointment of committee members to new three-year terms, which was unanimously approved, and the subsequent completion of Oath Request Forms by the reappointed members. The committee also discussed the status of a town-wide postcard mailing in support of a solar grant and project funded by Deerfield Energy Savings. Additionally, there was discussion regarding community education opportunities related to the solar grant and project before the upcoming March 10th elections.